Are you looking for a peaceful place in Los Angeles County to enjoy nature? Head over to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. This hidden gem in Los Angeles County offers scenic walking paths, beautiful gardens, and special events.
The LA Arboretum offers 127 acres of botanical gardens to explore. Not only are there diverse landscapes to discover, but you can also get a peek into the history of the arboretum. The LA Arboretum showcases plant species from all around the world.
There is so much to discover and explore when visiting the LA Arboretum. Spending a day enjoying the curated gardens is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles County. Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting the tranquil, serene Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
History of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden Land
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden sits on land that dates back thousands of years before the arrival of the Spanish. Once the creation of the Missions in California began, the area around and including where the LA Arboretum sits became an agricultural area for Mission San Gabriel.
Eventually, over 13,00 acres of land was granted to Hugo Reid by former Mexican Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado. The granted land would become known as Rancho Santa Anita. Today’s present-day cities of Arcadia and Sierra Madre sit on what was once known as Rancho Santa Anita.
Since the 1800s, Rancho Santa Anita had several owners. Elias Jackson Baldwin, or Lucky Baldwin, bought Rancho Santa Anita in 1875. In 1947, the State of California and Los Angeles County bought 111 acres around Baldwin Lake from Rancho Santa Anita Inc. Over the years, more land was bought to expand the arboretum to today’s unique 127-acre arboretum.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, A Great Place to Visit
The LA Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a must when visiting Los Angeles. The arboretum is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many great places to sit and relax in the different curated gardens. You can be surrounded by California Redwoods and giant Sequoias to sitting in a tranquil open space with ponds and waterfalls.
While walking around the botanic gardens, you will see geese and peacocks freely roaming around. You can explore historic buildings like the Santa Anita Depot, the Coach Barn, and the Queen Anne Cottage by walking around the grounds. If you get hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at the Peacock Cafe.
You can spend the whole day or a half day exploring the arboretum. Throughout the year, there are special events and themed seasonal events. You can visit during the springtime blooms, in the fall for a brisk walk on a Freaky Flora self-guided tour, or year-round to get your steps in while enjoying the various walking paths and lush greenery.
Explore the Idea Gardens
The Idea Gardens are a collection of different gardens and landscapes. You can explore a garden focused on water conservation, which uses water-saving plants. You will also see an amazing display of plants that thrive in the desert. The Desert Display has a beautiful outdoor chimney desert display. The chimney desert display is one of my favorite places in the Idea Gardens.
If you are interested in growing food, there is a Garden for All Seasons. The Garden for All Seasons is essentially a food garden showcasing fruits and vegetables to plant in Southern California. You will find many citrus trees and produce growing in the Garden for All Seasons.
Visit The Tropical Greenhouse
You will find the Tropical Greenhouse in the Idea Gardens area. The Tropical Greenhouse houses many exotic tropical plants like orchids and ferns. Among the numerous tropical plants are water features like waterfalls and ponds. What I love about the tropical greenhouse is how peaceful it feels because of the sounds of the water features.
Stopping by the Tropical Greenhouse is a great thing to do at the LA Arboretum any time of year. However, on hotter days, I recommend stopping by the greenhouse earlier in the day. Greenhouses are warmer inside than outside temperatures. So, on hotter days, it feels hotter inside the Tropical Greenhouse.
Discover the Tallac Knoll Gardens
If you want a great view of the San Gabriel Mountains, walk to the top of Tallac Knoll. From the Historic Circle Garden area to the top of Tallac Knoll is half a mile. On the way up the knoll, you will pass the Engelmann Oak Grove and Avocado Grove. If you come from Meadowbrook, you will walk through the Aquatic Garden.
At the top, you can walk around the LA Arboretum’s Caribbean Collection of plants and then down to Neotropical plants. In the Neotropical Collection, you will find banana trees with bananas and the Flor de Cacao tree with fragrant flowers when in bloom. The Flor de Cacao tree, or the Funeral Tree, has been used in funeral ceremonies in Latin American countries like Guatemala.
Enjoy the Plumeria Grove
If you love plumerias like we do, head over to Plumeria Grove. Plumerias are sometimes referred to as lei flowers as they are used to make Hawaiian leis. At the LA Arboretum, you will find a variety of plumerias in different colors.
Brightly colored plumerias are my favorite. Walking around Plumeria Grove reminded me of walking around the plumerias at the Dole Plantation Garden in Oahu, but on a larger scale.
Spend Time Relaxing in the Aquatic Garden
The Aquatic Garden is near the top of Tallac Knoll and a great place to sit and relax at the LA Arboretum. In the Aquatic Garden, you will find lily ponds with aquatic plants and mini waterfalls. You will find benches around the Aquatic Garden to sit and enjoy the beautiful lily ponds.
Relaxing in the Aquatic Garden is great, especially on hot days. There is a lot of shade in this area. Stopping by the lily ponds in the afternoon is something we love to do, as there is also a nice breeze, and it is a great place to take a break. Also, the sounds of the water in the lily ponds running downstream towards the Meyberg Waterfall and Meadowbrook Garden are incredibly peaceful.
Walk Around the Australia Garden
The Australia Garden is full of native plants from Australia. Plants found in the Australia Garden are from parts of Australia with similar climates to Southern California. While walking through the garden, you can smell the eucalyptus trees. In addition to eucalyptus trees, you will see bottle trees, acacia, and palm trees.
As you walk around the Australian Garden, take a walk along Serpent Trail. Serpent Trail is a paved trail that looks like a snake. The trail snakes through the Australian foliage and a sitting area where you can learn about Australian plants and animals.
Step into History in the Historic Circle Gardens
The Historic Circle consists of historic buildings, Baldwin Lake, a rose garden, and a forest path. Walking around the forest path is great if you would like a break from the heat. There are canopy trees that offer lots of shade. You can also enjoy great views of Baldwin Lake. If you love roses, spend time in the Rose Garden south of Queen Anne Cottage. Interested in history? Stop by the several historic structures located in the Historic Circle.
Stop By the Santa Anita Depot
The Santa Anita Depot is a train station you can tour at the LA Arboretum. Inside the Santa Anita Depot, you will find a collection of historical artifacts. You will see old timetables from Amtrak, old kitchen and home tools like an ice box, stove, irons, and items used by train station agents.
Walking into the Santa Anita Depot and train station agent’s office was like walking into history. In the station agent’s office, there is a display of stakes used on railroads, as well as a typewriter and a telegraph used to transmit Morse code. It was fun to see the excitement of the volunteer asking a young boy if he knew what the telegraph was or recognized the sound.
Visit the Queen Anne Cottage
If you have ever seen the 1977 TV show Fantasy Island, then the Queen Anne Cottage on Baldwin Lake will look familiar. The Queen Anne Cottage, or the Baldwin Cottage, was built in 1885 by Elias Jackson Baldwin, also known as Lucky Baldwin. Lucky Baldwin built this house for his fourth wife, but the marriage did not last. The Queen Anne Cottage became a memorial for his third wife instead and the guest house on his property.
After Lucky Baldwin died in 1909, his daughter Anita Baldwin closed the cottage and removed the furnishings. In the 1950s, work began to restore the Queen Anne Cottage. Today, Baldwin Cottage is on the National Register of Historic Places. Restoring and refurnishing the Queen Anne Cottage with pieces from the time period from when it was built continues to this day.
Explore the Historic Coach Barn
The Coach Barn is where Lucky Baldwin housed his horses and carriages. Lucky Baldwin also housed the horses and carriages of his guests in his Coach Barn. Just like the Queen Anne Cottage, the Coach Barn is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Walking through the Coach Barn, you will see blacksmiths and other farming tools used on what was once Rancho Santa Anita. You will also see Lucky Baldwin’s “Tally Ho” carriage inside the Coach Barn, as well as other mementos.
Walk Through the Forest Path
The Forest Path is north of Baldwin Lake. Along the Forest Path, you will find many plants, from cycads to ginkgo, and many canopy trees like California Redwoods and Giant sequoias. The Forest Path also has two ponds and many spots looking out to Baldwin Lake. This is a great area to cool off on hotter California days.
Walking around the Forest Path is peaceful. If you continue on the dirt path that takes you over to where many of the California redwoods, Coast redwoods, and Giant sequoia are, be careful while walking. If you are not paying attention, you might trip on a tree root or slip in mud like I did.
Enjoy the Africa Garden
The Africa Garden is next to the Australia and Idea Gardens. In the Africa Garden, you will see various succulent plants, aloes, and palms. As you walk around the African area, you will see an abundant number of drought-resistant plant species.
You can walk through Aloe Trail and see many types of aloe plants in the garden. You can also walk through the Madagascar Spiny Forest. Be careful while walking through the Madagascar Spiny Forest, as some plants stick out along the trail.
Enjoy the Peaceful Meadowbrook Gardens
The Meadowbrook Gardens are some of the most serene gardens at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. There is a stream that runs through the Meadowbrook Garden from the Meyberg Waterfall to the Turtle Pond. In Meadowbrook, you can find many benches to sit on, or you can sit in the open meadow.
Reflect in the Garden of Quiet Reflection
The Garden of Quiet Reflection is a great place to sit silently amongst the trees. Along the paths running through the Garden of Quiet Reflection are reflective quotes to think about. The Garden of Quiet Reflection is one of the most shady places you can find at the LA Arboretum’s Meadowbrook Garden landscape.
Walk Around the Herb Garden
Herb Gardens are some of my favorite types of gardens to walk through. The aromas from the numerous herbs and culinary plants are delicious. You can find plants for all uses in the Herb Garden. Some of the plants you will find have medicinal, culinary, and aromatic uses.
Similarly to The Huntington Library’s Herb Garden, there is a water well feature in the center of the Herb Garden. You will also find benches with trellises and plants growing around them, such as jasmine.
Explore Crescent Farm
Crescent Farm showcases drought-tolerant plants and water-saving ways for gardening. The Crescent Farm is full of California native plants and plants that thrive in Mediterranean climates similar to Southern California. Many of these Mediterranean and native California plants do not require as much water as others.
Crescent Farm is where you can learn about creating and maintaining gardens for drought conditions. You can learn about creating healthy soil and utilizing topography and mulch to save water. If you want to learn more, you can visit the Crescent Farm website or sign up for one of the workshops offered by the LA Arboretum.
Hungry? Grab a Bite to Eat at the Peacock Cafe
If you get hungry during your visit to the LA Arboretum, stop by the Peacock Cafe. At the Peacock Cafe, you can find pre-made grab-and-go items, or you can order hot food. Grab-and-go items include sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Hot food items include burgers and fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, and a California melt.
While eating in the outside dining area, you may encounter a peacock. Be mindful of your food, as the peacock will approach you wanting your food. While I was eating my burger and fries, there was a friendly peacock trying to get a bite to eat off of my plate. I had to shoo the peacock to go away.
Activities at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden offers many activities for visitors year-round. You will find activities tailored to children, adults, and families. Activities include yoga, Tai Chi, goat yoga, painting classes, nature camps, night hikes, and various workshops.
The L.A. County Arboretum also offers seasonal activities. Seasonal activities include special activities for the Halloween season, like a Freaky Flora self-guided tour of the gardens to trick-or-treating in the garden. During the holidays, you can sign up for holiday wreath-making workshops. Over the last few years, the LA Arboretum has also been the home of the Lightscape Holiday Light display in Los Angeles County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about visiting the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
The LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is located in the city of Arcadia in Los Angeles County. The address is 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007.
The LA Arboretum costs $15.00 for adults, $11.00 for seniors 62 years and older, $5.00 for children ages 5 to 12, and children ages 4 and younger are free. If you are a current student with a school ID, the cost of admission is $11.00.
The LA Arboretum has a Free Day on the third Tuesday of each month. To get tickets for the free day, you have to make a reservation and get the tickets. Tickets for the monthly free day are available on the first of the month beginning at 9:00 am.
There is a limit of 5 tickets per reservation for non-members. You can get tickets online for the free day. When making your reservation, you will select an entry time. If you are trying to get tickets for the free day, I recommend going to the website at 9:00 am as tickets are first come, first served and sell out quickly.
Yes, memberships are available at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Memberships are part of a Reciprocal Arboretum Program through the American Horticultural Society. A membership will allow you to visit over 350 botanical gardens in the United States, the USVI island of St. Croix, the Cayman Islands, and Canada.
There is an exception to the membership regarding reciprocal admission to a few botanic gardens. Botanic gardens within a 90-mile radius of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden have the option not to allow reciprocal admission. Descanso Gardens, California Botanic Garden, and the South Coast Botanic Garden do not offer reciprocal admission for members of the LA Arboretum.
Yes, there is parking at the LA Arboretum. Parking at the LA Arboretum is free.
Yes, there is a gift shop you can stop at when you exit the L.A. County Arboretum.
The best time to visit the Arboretum is in the spring and fall. During these times of the year, many of the flowers in the botanic gardens are blooming. The temperature in the spring and fall is great for walking around the LA Arboretum. During this time, you can have days that are on the warmer side, so make sure to bring water.
It can take a few hours to explore the gardens of the LA Arboretum. I recommend spending the day or at least four hours exploring the Arboretum. The more time you spend walking around the Arboretum, the more of a leisurely experience you will have.
Yes, there are several things to do near the LA Arboretum. After spending the day at the Arboretum, you can head over to the nearby mall and grab a bite to eat. I recommend Din Ti Fung, one of my favorite places to stop at after going to the Arboretum. You can also spend an evening exploring the nightlife of Pasadena or head over to Glendale, which is another vibrant city in the area.
Yes, a visit to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is worth it, especially for nature lovers. Whether you are a local or visiting Southern California, visiting the LA Arboretum is a fun and relaxing thing to do in Los Angeles County. Being surrounded by nature and various landscapes, from forests to a serene meadow, is a great break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Relaxing Day Walking the Gardens
Walking the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles County. There are many gardens to explore within each section of the LA Arboretum. You can spend a whole day discovering new plants or walking trails off the beaten path to see plant collections that many people do not explore.
Going to the LA Arboretum is one of our favorite things to do. Being surrounded by nature in the middle of a populated city is a great escape. Not only do we enjoy the many gardens, but we get our steps in, and you will too. Discovering the LA Arboretum is something we recommend, and it should be on your list when visiting Southern California.
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